The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025: Nominee Lists Revealed for Top Honors

FIFA has officially unveiled the nominee shortlists for the individual honors comprising The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025, spotlighting the standout performers across global football.

At the pinnacle of the ceremony are The Best Men’s Player and The Best Women’s Player trophies—the most coveted distinctions in the game.

These awards celebrate the single most exceptional athlete worldwide throughout the designated evaluation period, spanning from August 11, 2024, to August 2, 2025.

This timeframe strategically encompasses a full calendar of high-stakes action, ensuring that brilliance in key tournaments counts toward eligibility.

As a result, the shortlists are heavily populated by stars who excelled in the previous season’s UEFA Champions League finals (both men’s and women’s editions), delivered title-defining performances in their domestic leagues, shone brightly at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, or made history in the groundbreaking inaugural FIFA Club World Cup for men.

These competitions provided the ultimate stages for players to etch their names into award contention through clutch goals, defensive masterclasses, and leadership under pressure.

Complementing the flagship player awards, FIFA has also announced nominees in the other mainstay categories:

The Best Men’s Goalkeeper, The Best Women’s Goalkeeper, The Best Men’s Coach, and The Best Women’s Coach. These recognize tactical geniuses behind the bench and shot-stoppers who defied the odds with heroic saves.

One notable exception is the FIFA Puskás Award, which honors the creator of the most aesthetically stunning or technically audacious goal scored anywhere in the world during the eligibility window.

FIFA has confirmed that the shortlist for this fan-favorite prize—often a highlight reel of jaw-dropping volleys, long-range screamers, and solo dribbles—will be revealed separately at a future date, building anticipation among supporters.

Positioned as the premier rival to the Ballon d’Or in crowning football’s elite, The Best FIFA Football Awards carry immense prestige within the sport’s ecosystem.

For context, the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala was held back in September, where Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Ousmane Dembélé claimed the men’s honor, while Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí secured the women’s title for a second consecutive year.

Both enter the FIFA race as clear frontrunners, buoyed by their recent triumphs and consistent dominance, though the expanded voting panel—which includes national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans—could introduce fresh twists in the final outcome.

Best FIFA Men’s Player 2025 Nominees

Best FIFA Women’s Player 2025 Nominees

Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2025 Nominees

Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2025 Nominees

Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper 2025 Nominees

Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper 2025 Nominees